Naughton enjoying’ House

An article last weekend in the Boston Globe suggested Naughton might be a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor next year.

The suggestion did not come from Naughton, he said Monday.

“I was at drill with the Reserve this weekend and a few of my friends hit me up with it,” Naughton said. “I think the source is based in the fact I have had a raised profile from chairing the oversight hearings into the drug lab scandal and numerous veterans’ initiatives. People at the State House love to try to read the tea leaves and project something into everything.”

But is there truth to the rumor?

“As far as whether I am thinking about it, my attitude for 18 years has been that if you focus on the job you are doing and try to do your best, opportunities will open up. That being said, I have never enjoyed being in the House more,” he said. “I have asked to be reappointed chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. I have found it exciting being given the chance to interact with all of our public safety agencies, from the State Police to the National Guard. It lets me get out around the state and I have a substantive feeling of accomplishment working to provide for the public safety of our citizens. It lets me use my experience in the Army in regard to Homeland Security, as well.”

Naughton said, “At this stage of my seniority in the House, I feel like I can do a lot for the district.”

Naughton said he believes Worcester resident Tim Murray, the current lieutenant governor, is “leaning in the direction” of running for governor, though he needs to win a primary to get there.

Could a Central Mass. team for governor and lieutenant governor be favored by voters?

“It seems to me that the general public looks more to the qualities of the gubernatorial candidate than geographic balance of the ticket,” he said, adding the presumed U.S. Senate race is taking “all the oxygen” in the talk about upcoming elections.

Lancaster resident Stephen Kerrigan is also being discussed as a possible Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, but has not committed to running.

“It should be an interesting two years,” Naughton said. “Right now, my plan is to run for re-election to the House.”